V Kick Dynamic Kick Drum SE Microphone

The sE Electronics V Kick Dynamic Kick Drum Microphone is a highly versatile and compact microphone specifically designed for capturing the sound of kick (bass) drums, as well as other low-frequency instruments like bass guitar cabinets or large floor toms. It's part of sE Electronics' acclaimed V Series of dynamic microphones, known for their robust build and excellent sound quality.

Here's a detailed look at its key features and specifications:

Core Design & Capsule:

• Dynamic Microphone: It's a dynamic microphone, meaning it's well-suited for handling the high sound pressure levels (SPLs) produced by kick drums without distortion.

• Supercardioid Polar Pattern: This tight pickup pattern is excellent for isolating the kick drum sound and rejecting bleed from other drums, cymbals, or instruments on a busy stage or in a recording studio.

• Custom DMC7 SB Capsule: At its heart is a specialized version of the DMC7 capsule found in sE's popular V7 and V7 X microphones. This capsule features an aluminum voice coil, which is lighter than traditional copper. This design choice contributes to an "open and transient-rich sound," allowing for excellent capture of the fast attack and low-frequency energy of a kick drum.

• Integrated Capsule Suspension: The capsule is internally shock-mounted, which helps to decouple it from mechanical vibrations and stand-borne noise, reducing unwanted rumble.

Sonic Versatility - Four Switchable Voicings:A standout feature of the V Kick is its ability to offer four different sound settings via two recessed switches on the rear of the microphone. This allows engineers to quickly tailor the mic's response to suit different musical genres, kick drum tunings, or desired sounds.

• Left-hand switch (Overall Voicing):

  • "Classic": Provides a more traditional kick drum sound with a familiar low-frequency punch and a warmer, more rounded character.

  • "Modern": Emphasizes the low end and high end (a "scooped" sound), ideal for more contemporary, aggressive genres like metal or hard rock.

• Right-hand switch (High-Frequency Character):

  • "Classic": Offers a typical bite in the upper midrange (a presence boost) and a more rounded high-frequency sound.

  • "Modern": Provides an open, clear, and transient-rich top end, suitable for a more aggressive drum sound with more beater click.

Physical Design & Practicality:

• Extremely Low Profile and Compact: The V Kick is designed to be one of the most compact kick drum microphones on the market. Its small size allows for effortless placement inside or outside a kick drum, even through the drum head port.

• Integrated Swivel Joint: This built-in swivel allows for precise positioning of the microphone, ensuring you can aim it exactly where needed to capture the desired sound (e.g., towards the beater for more attack, or towards the shell for more resonance).

• All-Metal Housing & Spring Steel Grille: Built for the road, the V Kick features a robust, durable die-cast zinc alloy chassis with no fragile plastic parts. The spring steel mesh grille is dent-proof and corrosion-free, ensuring reliability during extensive use.

• Gold-Plated XLR Connector: Provides a reliable and corrosion-resistant signal connection.

• Parallel Stand Adapter & XLR Connector: The mic stand mount and XLR connector are mounted side-by-side on the underside of the mic. This clever design minimizes cable clutter and allows the mic to sit very flush with the stand, contributing to its compact footprint and making placement in tight spaces easier.

• Internal Windscreen: Helps to reduce unwanted wind noise and plosives. A spare black internal windscreen is often included for aesthetic preference.

• Included Accessories: Typically comes with a thread adapter, a zipper pouch for storage and transport, and sometimes a knurled nut for compatibility with third-party drum hardware systems like the LP Mic Claw.

Key Specifications:

• Capsule Type: Dynamic

• Polar Pattern: Supercardioid

• Frequency Range: 20 Hz - 19 kHz

• Electrical Impedance: 300 Ohms

• Sensitivity: 0.2 / 0.4 mV/Pa (-69 / -75 dBV) (depending on switch settings)

• Connectivity: 3-pin male XLR connector

• Dimensions: Approximately 60 mm (2.36 in.) diameter x 135 mm (5.31 in.) length

• Weight: Approximately 468 g (16.5 oz)

The sE Electronics V Kick is a strong contender in the kick drum microphone market, offering not only excellent sound quality and robust construction but also a unique level of sonic versatility thanks to its switchable voicings. This makes it a highly adaptable tool for engineers and drummers looking to achieve a specific kick drum sound with ease, whether live or in the studio.